When peace and quiet is not enough: Examining the challenges communities face in Estonian and Latvian rural landscapes
| Autor: | Storie, Joanna Tamar |
|---|---|
| Jazyk: | angličtina |
| Rok vydání: | 2020 |
| Předmět: |
maastikud
kaasamine Estonia dissertations Läti social networks keskkond local identity dissertatsioonid rural areas ruraalmaastikud kohaidentiteet Latvia involvement kogukonnad communities elukvaliteet landscapes quality of life Eesti maapiirkonnad rural landscapes environment sotsiaalsed võrgustikud |
| DOI: | 10.15159/emu.54 |
| Popis: | Estonian and Latvian rural landscapes are not static; they evolve under environmental influences, both natural and socioeconomic. The landscapes have undergone rapid transformation from the collectivised Soviet period to independence and privatisation, followed by changes fuelled by accession to the European Union. The people’s relationship to landscape has also changed as perceptions and values respond to their experiences of landscape changes. Investigations were made in small rural communities examining the landscape values that attach inhabitants to place; the elements shaping landscape identity; place-shaping processes that transform communities; and conflicting views of the landscape-scale wildlife management. Data were collected from stakeholder interviews, workshops and an ongoing observation. This study revealed inhabitants had multiple anchors with varying degrees of attachment to the physical and cultural aspects of landscapes that gave them a sense of place. The inhabitants appreciated the peace and quiet, the quality of life afforded by access to natural food, the freedom to forage and a connection to natural landscapes. Cultural and family networks also gave strength and support to rural lifestyles. In some places, landscape identity was strengthened through place-shaping processes, such as revitalising old or initiating new traditions, leading to rising self-esteem among inhabitants. However, this was not enough to reverse the decline exacerbated by dwindling resources and outmigration. Willingness and ability to participate in landscape-scale management processes varied. A lack of effective dialogue discouraged inhabitants from participating, thus there was a need to listen to those most affected. These findings revealed important networks where planners could engage with local inhabitants and identified possible barriers to participation. Rural landscapes need healthy, thriving communities to provide the food, recreation and renewable energy of the future. Therefore, it is recommended that communities are provided the resources to support them in facing the challenges of an ageing population and draw younger generations to reinvigorate rural landscapes. |
| Databáze: | OpenAIRE |
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